A new city centre security team is out in Leeds to help combat retail crime in the run-up to Christmas.

The Leeds City Centre Response Team, fully funded by LeedsBID and operated by Leeds-based Lodge Security , is out daily, providing an on-street presence in the fight against high street theft, supporting businesses as well as local law enforcement agencies.

LeedsBID is working with West Yorkshire Police, Safer Leeds, BACIL (Business Against Crime in Leeds) and businesses to ensure the retail experience in the city centre is both safe and welcoming for those coming in over the festive season and beyond.

The multi-agency partnership comes in response to calls for help from city centre businesses in tackling retail theft and anti-social behaviour on the high street and to offer additional support to the police.

The new team provide a daily presence in key retail areas, working with businesses in identifying offenders and active prevention. Utilising BACIL radios and its city centre network, they are in contact with shops, venues, police and street management teams.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID said: “Leeds has a great retail and Christmas shopping offer for customers across the region. Working with West Yorkshire Police, Safer Leeds, BACIL and partner organisations, we are funding a response team to work with the police over the Christmas period to ensure people can enjoy their time in the city while supporting businesses at this important trading time.”

Jo Coburn, Senior General Manager at Victoria Leeds, said: “Leeds is a fantastic place to live, work, celebrate and shop, with many people in the festive spirit flocking to our arcades to enjoy our restaurants and attractions and to tick off those all-important gift lists. It’s absolutely paramount to us as a leading destination that our visitors feel safe, particularly at such a peak period. We’re incredibly grateful to LeedsBID for providing this essential, additional resource for a reassuring presence on the streets, which will hopefully ensure people leave with a positive lasting impression of Leeds, ready to prepare for their next visit.”